Reps To Investigate Illegal Structures Around Eko Bridge, Other Federal Bridges In Lagos
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate alleged encroachments on Eko Bridge and other Federal bridges in Lagos State, following concerns over the safety, structural integrity and maintenance of the critical infrastructure.
The investigation will cover commercial activities, container terminals, markets, warehouses, workshops and other structures located beneath and within the Right-of-Way of the bridges to determine their legality and compliance with relevant Federal laws and regulations.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Lanre Okunola, representing Lagos State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), during plenary.
Under the resolution, the House Committee on Public Assets is to ascertain whether any public asset has been compromised, occupied, leased, alienated or used in violation of existing laws. The committee is also expected to identify the individuals, agencies and organisations responsible for any established breaches.
The House further directed the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, where applicable, Lagos State physical planning authorities and other relevant agencies to submit approved engineering drawings, survey plans, Right-of-Way maps, occupancy approvals and other documents relating to developments around Eko Bridge.
The committee is expected to recommend appropriate enforcement measures, including the removal of illegal structures found within the Federal Right-of-Way. It will also propose long-term strategies for protecting, monitoring and preserving Federal bridges across the country.
Moving the motion, Okunola described Eko Bridge as a strategic Federal Government asset under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Works and a major transportation corridor connecting Lagos Mainland with Lagos Island.
He noted that the ministry had consistently maintained that the Right-of-Way of Federal roads and bridges was protected against unauthorised developments, stressing that structures erected within designated areas constituted illegal encroachments.
According to the lawmaker, reports from the Federal Ministry of Works indicated that illegal activities around Eko Bridge, including unauthorised operations near its foundations, had damaged critical structural components and necessitated emergency engineering interventions to protect the infrastructure.
Okunola expressed concern over the continued emergence of containers, makeshift structures, warehouses, markets, workshops and other commercial facilities beneath and around Eko Bridge and adjoining bridge corridors.
He warned that the developments raised serious concerns about public safety, structural stability, environmental sanitation, fire hazards and restricted access for routine bridge inspections and maintenance.
The lawmaker added that the occupation of areas beneath and adjacent to Federal bridges could obstruct engineering inspections, emergency repairs and future expansion projects, while exposing commuters and surrounding communities to potential risks.
He further warned that persistent encroachment on the Federal Right-of-Way could undermine the lifespan and structural integrity of critical bridge infrastructure.
Okunola also questioned whether occupants of the affected areas possessed valid approvals from the appropriate Federal authorities, noting that any such approvals must comply with the Federal Highways Act, applicable planning regulations and guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Works.
He attributed the proliferation of unauthorised developments, in part, to possible gaps in coordination among the Federal Ministry of Works, FERMA, the Lagos State Government and other relevant agencies.
The proposed investigation is expected to establish the status of developments around Eko Bridge and other Federal bridges in Lagos, determine compliance with applicable regulations and recommend measures to prevent further encroachment on public infrastructure.
